Childhood growth hormone (GH) deficiency: Statural and psychological effects of long-term GH replacement

To improve their adult stature, children with growth hormone deficiency (GH D) have been treated with growth hormone (GH)-replacement therapy. During t he past 30 years, several important findings from clinical trials, includin g GH dose responsiveness, the role of daily subcutaneous administration of GH, and the significance of early diagnosis and treatment, have enhanced in crementally the adult height in these patients. Additional research has foc used on the contributions of GHD to psychological morbidity and the ability of GH replacement to ameliorate psychological complications. Future resear ch in this area will improve the ability to treat children who have this di sorder.